Kent coach Paul Haynes on his first year as a coach: “One thing I learned as a new head coach was don’t assume anything,” Haynes said, “and I assumed leadership would just happen.”

Kent coach Paul Haynes on Colin Reardon: "You just hope he continues to get better like the rest of the quarterbacks in this conference who have the possibility to be a four-year starter.

Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher on people taking shortcuts to improve their programs in light of coming changes in NCAA governance: “If you cheat, I hope you get caught and I hope you get fired.”.

Akron Zips linebacker Justin March on this year’s corps: It’s probably the best linebacking corps I’ve been around and since I’ve been at the university.

Akron Zips linebacker Justin March on teammate C.J. Mizell: He’s a true MIKE linebacker and with him you get that true, wild spirited middle linebacker. He lifts us up energy wise and just brings that excitement.

Akron Zips offensive lineman Travis Switzer on replacing former teammates on the line [the Zips lost three]: Graduation is something you have to deal with every year, so I wouldn’t say I’m worried about anything as far as that goes. Every year you’ve got to break new guys in and get that chemistry going.

Akron Zips coach Terry Bowden on his expectations for fans this year and their expectations for the team: "If fans don’t show up, it’s their loss. We keep winning and they’ll come and if they don’t, somebody else will. We’ll fill that stadium up when we win ball games. Now, will [their] expectation level do that? It might do it some, but I don’t worry about it too much."